>87 



collection; and bo 1 have an open shelf, i.e., inch-square 

 pieces of wood tied crosswise, running round the house, to 

 accommodate those troublesome things in pots; the object 

 being to admit as much light as possible to the Ferns below. 

 These pot-plants, however, are thirsty subjects in the 

 summertime, and require, if not "perpetual motion," 

 something akin to it, to keep them supplied with H 2 ! 

 But c< the labour we delight in physics pain." Still, I am 

 convinced that for sale (or Sale) purposes, it is much more 

 economical to plant them out. 



Concerning the usual methods of cultivation, that is, 

 keeping the soil sweet by aeration, etc., top-dressing with 

 suitable material, and so on, I am glad to be in accord 

 with Mr. StansfiekTs recommendations. 



As to the effects of frost, too, on our favourite subjects, 

 I am also at one with him, for I always subject Athyriums 

 especially to a cold spell before packing them away for the 

 winter. Unfortunately the winter of 1916-17 did destroy 

 several other choice things which I would not have lost for 

 the proverbial " king's ransom." 



That Mr. Stansfield succeeds with Ferns I have ample 

 evidence, and so I have come to the conclusion that he who 

 can do this in however " heterodox " a manner, is entitled 

 to the respect and esteem of all Fern lovers. 



C. B. Green. 



Swanage, March, 1918. 



SUPRASORIFERATION. 



Not the least interesting fact in connection with fern 

 development is the arrangement and general behaviour of 

 the sori. In the major portion of fern genera, the sori are 

 developed on the under sides of ordinary fronds. In others, 



